Colourful murals could be painted on a string of walls around Norwich, as part of a drive to use street art to breathe new life into the city centre.

The wall on the side of the building on Ber Street where a proposed mural could be painted.
PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY

The idea takes its cue from United States cities such as Pittsburgh, where ageing architecture has been turned into a canvas for artists.

Business leaders in Norwich believe specially commissioned murals could be used to build on the city’s thriving arts and culture scene.

Bosses at the Norwich Business Improvement District say the scheme, which will link up with the City of Stories campaign - which aims to attract more visitors to the city and to encourage locals to enjoy what’s on their doorstep - will give a new lease of life to blank walls.

The potential location for the first such mural has been identified as the gable wall of Pymm & Co estate agents in Ber Street.

An application to paint the mural on the side of the Grade II listed building has been lodged with Norwich City Council. Because the property is a listed building, listed building consent must be obtained.

Martin Blackwell, business and operations manager for Norwich BID, said: “If consent is given we will work with a contractor to install the first mural and then we will evaluate it.

“At that point we will ask for submissions for further locations. The first one would be in a great location and lots of people would see it.

“When people see what we have done and how ambitious what we are doing is, I think people will come forward to say they want to get involved too.

“The evidence from around the world has shown that art like this can reinvigorate areas.”

Norwich BID bosses are hoping that the first mural will be in place by March at the latest and will pave the way for more in the future.

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